Delivery vs. Accuracy

In simultaneous interpreting, there are always two key requirements:

– to convey the meaning as accurately as possible;
– and to convey it in a way that people actually want to listen to.

It is precisely at the intersection of these two skills that high-quality simultaneous interpreting is formed.

What does “delivery” mean in simultaneous interpreting?

Delivery is not about “performing for the audience.” It is about how the interpreter sounds in the booth and how their speech is perceived by listeners:

•  grammatical and syntactic accuracy;
•  sufficient volume and clarity;
•  a steady pace and rhythm without abrupt shifts;
•  clear diction and correct pronunciation;
•  absence of unnecessary noises, sighs, or pauses;
•  intonation and vocal tone that inspire trust;
•  the ability to convey the speaker’s emotion and intent.

Together, these elements create a sense of confidence and professionalism.

Why does delivery sometimes beat accuracy?

In practice, clients are rarely able to assess terminological or semantic accuracy in detail.
What they do notice immediately is:
– whether the voice is pleasant to listen to;
– whether the speech is easy to follow;
– whether the interpretation conveys a sense of control over the situation.

Why is it important to train delivery?

Voice and delivery training provide interpreters with:
– stable breathing and fewer microphone noises;
– a wider intonational range;
– confident sound even under stress;
– new professional opportunities (voice-over work, conferences, event moderation).

Key takeaway

Accuracy is the foundation; delivery is the tool of influence.
It is their combination that turns interpretation from a mere set of words into effective communication.